The trial of Sudanese former journalist Lubna Hussein, who faces 40 lashes after being arrested a month ago for wearing trousers, has been postponed, again, until 7 September, according to IPI member and CEO of Turkey’s Hurriyet media group Vuslat Doğan Sabancı, who is in Khartoum following the trial. The further delay is reportedly because of uncertainty concerning Hussein’s diplomatic status at the time of her arrest. Employment with the UN in Sudan can provide immunity from prosecution. Although Hussein has resigned from her post as media officer for the UN in order to be able to stand trial and fight the charges, it is unclear whether or not the fact that she was a UN employee at the time of her arrest means that she still has immunity.
We’ll be tracking this and posting updates here as they become available through the day. You can also follow IPI on Twitter by clicking here.
Background:
Lubna al-Hussein and 12 other women were arrested on 3 July by a group of public order police for wearing trousers and accused of “sensational dressing up” and threatening the values of Sudanese society under Article 152 of the 1991 Criminal Code.
Ten of the women opted to plead guilty, immediately received 10 lashes and were fined 250 Sudanese pounds.
Lubna, along with two others, opted to take legal counsel and fight the charges. Having taken this route, the women could now face up to 40 lashes.
In a move lauded by the Arabic Network for Human Rights Information (ANHRI) and other human rights groups, Lubna mailed around 500 invitations to the media and rights groups, asking them to attend her trial and expected flogging.
In the northern part of Sudan including Khartoum, women traditionally wear clothing that covers their faces and bodies, and Sharia law is still implemented. According to ANHRI, Lubna and the others facing trial were not provided with legal counsel and are not allowed to speak for themselves in court.
The trial, which was originally scheduled to take place on 29 July, was adjourned till 4 August to give Hussein time to quit her job with the United Nations, where she was employed as media officer. United Nations employees in Sudan enjoy immunity from prosecution.
